Victoria the alpaca was apparently trying to foil bandits who stole retired horse Huggy Bear’s specially made saddle and other items from Ivy Dene Farm in St Michael’s on Wyre.

The thieves managed to get away and owner Judy Ainley spoke of her sadness that someone would target the 31-year-old pony, which has brought joy to children across the county through his work with disabled youngsters.

She said: “What has happened has been traumatic

“I don’t know how anyone could do this to Huggy Bear.

“On the door where they entered there was a lot of Alpaca spit and as Victoria is the only Alpaca I have which has ‘attitude’ I reckon she gave them a run for their money and emptied the contents of her tummy all over them.

“Thankfully they did not hurt the animals.”

Lancashire Police confirmed they are investigating the incident, which happened some time between 8pm on Saturday and 8am on Sunday.

And urged they urged anyone with any information to get in touch.

A police spokesman said: “Someone has approached the property gone into the stables and a garage at the rear of the property and taken numerous items worth around £3,000 value.

“We are looking into it.

“If anyone has any information or if they know anyone who has tried to sell on the items I would urge them to contact us.”

Huggy Bear is a well known figure in the Wyre area and even stole the heart of Granada Reports presenter Paul Crone when he featured the farm.

And Judy revealed she spent some of her RAF pension to treat Huggy Bear to the special saddle.

She said: “For this to be taken away from him, that hurts more than anything.

“It was specially made for his comfort, he has given so much to this area, spending lots of time helping people with learning difficulties.

“Everything that was specially made for him will probably only sell for peanuts – so was it really worth stealing it?

“But I have been so overwhelmed by the response from the community.

“People have been so generous and kind.

“Somebody even bought a saddle round for Huggy but unfortunately it does not fit.

“I don’t know how someone could do this and I just want to warn other horse owners to be on their guard.”

If you have any information please contact the police on: 101 quoting log number 400 of September 6.